~The value of life lies not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them ~ Michel de Montaigne More Quotes by Michel de Montaigne More Quotes From Michel de Montaigne I have seen books made of things neither studied nor ever understood ... the author contenting himself for his own part, to have cast the plot and projected the design of it, and by his industry to have bound up the fagot of unknown provisions; at least the ink and paper his own. This may be said to be a buying or borrowing, and not a making or compiling of a book. Michel de Montaigne ink-and-paperdesignbook Seneca's virtue shows forth so live and vigorous in his writings, and the defense is so clear there against some of these imputations, as that of his wealth and excessive spending, that I would not believe any testimony to the contrary. Michel de Montaigne defensewritingbelieve As for extraordinary things, all the provision in the world would not suffice. Michel de Montaigne extraordinary-thingsprovisionworld [I]n my country, when they would say a man has no sense, they say, such an one has no memory; and when I complain of the defect of mine, they do not believe me, and reprove me, as though I accused myself for a fool: not discerning the difference betwixt memory and understanding, which is to make matters still worse for me. But they do me wrong; for experience, rather, daily shows us, on the contrary, that a strong memory is commonly coupled with infirm judgment. Michel de Montaigne strongmemoriescountry If faces were not alike, we could not distinguish men from beasts; if they were not different, we could not tell one man from another. Michel de Montaigne portraituredifferentmen No noble thing can be done without risks. Michel de Montaigne nobleriskdone Laws are maintained in credit, not because they are essentially just, but because they are laws. It is the mystical foundation of their authority; they have none other. Michel de Montaigne powerlawjustice Few men are admired by their servants. Michel de Montaigne admirationservantmen Not only does the wind of accidents stir me according to its blowing, but I am also stirred and troubled by the instability of my attitude. Michel de Montaigne doeattitudewind The whole idea we have for their chastity is ridiculous. They would have to become numb and invisible to please us. I don't know whether the exploits of Alexander and Caesar really surpass the resolution of a beautiful young woman, bred up in the light and commerce of our society, who still keeps herself whole. There is no doing so hard as not doing. Michel de Montaigne lightbeautifulideas The customs and practices of life in society sweep us along. Michel de Montaigne customspractice To know much is often the cause of doubting more. Michel de Montaigne causesdoubtknows The sage says that all that is under heaven incurs the same law and the same fate. Michel de Montaigne fatelawheaven As far as fidelity is concerned, there is no animal in the world as treacherous as man. Michel de Montaigne animalmenworld T is one and the same Nature that rolls on her course, and whoever has sufficiently considered the present state of things might certainly conclude as to both the future and the past. Michel de Montaigne statesmightpast If others examined themselves attentively, as I do, they would find themselves, as I do, full of inanity and nonsense. Get rid of it I cannot without getting rid of myself. Michel de Montaigne nonsenseifs How many quarrels, and how important, has the doubt as to the meaning of this syllable "Hoc" produced for the world! Michel de Montaigne importantdoubtworld It is a rare life that remains orderly even in private. Michel de Montaigne orderlyorderlinessremains There is nothing useless in nature; not even uselessness itself Michel de Montaigne uselessnessuseless Men of simple understanding, little inquisitive and little instructed, make good Christians. Michel de Montaigne simplechristianmen
